FROM TEEN/CURRENTS STAFF
Today's teens are just as
materialistic as ever, at least that's what a survey
of local students reveals.
From foil (yes foil) to term papers to nice lounging weather, kids have
definite ideas on what they want old Santa to deposit in their stockings
this year.
(Here's a tip, make sure that black, rancid orange from last year's stocking
has been thrown away or placed under younger brother's pillow.)
As for the foil, well, Tom Dann, a Geneva High School junior, wants tin
foil to block out government mind control rays. (OK Tom you now have
nothing to worry about. Become complacent.)
Molly Sorohan, a senior at Harbor High School, wants a sweater for her
16-pound cat, but doesn't think she'll get it. (Somebody, anybody, get
knitting!!)
Mike Publicover, a freshman at Harbor High School, wants sea monkeys.
When asked why, he responded, "No comment." Isn't that what everyone
secretly wants?
Megan Fry, a junior at Grand Valley, is looking at the bigger picture. She
is torn between a new teddy bear and world peace. Ah, which will help
you sleep better at night Megan? Hmm, that didn't help your decision any.
Maria Jones, an Ashtabula High School junior, is looking for a state-of-
the-art computer. Anybody byte?
Julie Licata, an AHS senior, is looking for a new drum set. (Hard to beat
that one.)
AHS junior Nick Speelman wants what every kids desires, a spider
monkey wearing a diaper and a bow tie.
Wendy Miller, an AHS senior, wants someone to pay her Christmas bills
and or give her a job. (Before pulling out your wallet for Wendy, see what
she gets YOU for Christmas.)
Conneaut High senior Paul Kreger is looking for a car. (Paul, just look
for
any vehicle sitting around with the keys in the ignition. Just don't say
where you got the idea.)
Jenny Light, a CHS senior, wants a 15-page term paper (typed, double-
spaced). Is her teacher reading this?
CHS seniors Sara Walbridge and Ryan Burdick want good weather for
their trip to the Bahamas. (Those poor kids, not being able to throw
snowballs on Christmas.)
CHS freshman Chris Wassie is hoping for a trip to Paris. Ah, how about
good weather while you're at it?
CHS senior Lauren Simek is thinking of others this holiday season. She
wants no car accidents this winter.
Thinking of her insurance agent. How nice.
On the other side of the coin, Geneva junior Doug Lucas wants money. It's
the universal gift.
Geneva senior Shaun Pelley is hoping for a truck, and not of the toy
variety.
And fellow classmate Kelly Kerney is hoping for a lifetime supply of
Chuck E. Cheese tattoos.
Don't we all, Kelly, don't we all.
So the perfect teen Christmas: Lying in the sands in the Bahamas, sun
beating down on those Chuck E. Cheese tattoos, term paper all done,
government not hassling you.
Now that's living.
Contributing to this story were Becky Simpson, Derek Lebzelter, Jim
Publicover and Stacy Puzo. They want nothing this holiday season but
peace on Earth and clothes from the Goodwill.
An Amber Thompson column
Window shopping, last minute gifts and not enough money to buy gifts for
everyone on the mile-long Christmas list.
What would one buy for them on such a low budget? People want
practical and individualized gifts, right? I think the best gift is on
everyone's TOP 10 list this year: time given to each person whom one
cares for. I'm sure Dad wouldn't mind the driveway being shoveled,
Grandma could use help decorating outside with the lights and Mom could
use a night off, while you cook dinner and help, yes, your siblings with
homework or babysitting.
The idea of Christmas cards is to send
them and the recipient knows you
think of them and wish them a prosperous New Year and a wonderful
Christmas. If you lack money, buy cards and maybe a little Hershey's kiss
to send to relatives and friends.
This Christmas, throw aside the wallet and lend a hand. That's why we
celebrate this holiday. It's not a marketing ploy to create some people
standing around a baby holding Sonys, Segas, Swoosh signs and
Sketchers!
There is a meaning and it's just up to us to separate the two and find the
often covered meaning in all the endorsements and depression that this
time of the year often brings. Merry Christmas.
Thompson's denies owning any stock on The Hershey Chocolate Co.
Got problems? Maybe you should give Jimmy Howell, a 16-year-old
junior
at Edgewood Senior High School, a call.
He's taking a college course at Kent State Branch on psychology and loves
discussing the more abnormal aspects of the human cerebellum during
lunch.
Jimmy is planning on becoming "the most powerful person in the country."
The first president since Carter named Jimmy? Nope.
Howell says he wants to be where the real power lies, as secretary of state.
What are your plans for tonight? Going Christmas shopping?
The republic will not fall if you wait until Friday for that (go see "Titanic"
on Christmas instead of Friday). Tonight you can check out the Grand
Valley choir at 7 at the middle school. It will bring a little joy to your
life,
director Joy Leirer that is.
GV's Sound Review, a branch of the choir, has already started singing,
dancing and rocking across northeastern Ohio. They sang the National
Anthem at Gund Arena before a Lumberjacks game Nov. 31 and at the
Ashtabula Mall Saturday.
Senior Anne Battaglia said, "We have a very young choir this year.
The
freshmen have worked very hard and have come a long way. I'm having fun
with this group."
Hang in there because we will tell you about PANDAs running around the
school next week.
It's one reason to look forward to Dec. 25.
Free, yeah, free cross-country ski instructions for those 8 and up 10 a.m.
to 1 p.m. Jan. 10 at Donald W. Meyer Center in Big Creek Park, 9160
Robinson Road, Chardon.
If there is no snow on then, the program will be postponed until Jan. 17.
It's the one time an event is postponed because the weather isn't bad
enough.
This is a basic skills session where students will learn about the history
in
skiing, different types of equipment, proper clothing and maneuverability
on skiis. Some indoor instruction will be followed by outdoor practice and
a ski tour down one of the trails at Big Creek Park.
Pre-registration is required. Participants must provide their own ski
equipment.
Call those fine folk at the Geauga Park District for details.